Introduction

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a moist, sweet loaf bursting with warm cinnamon swirls in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread combines simple ingredients to create a comforting treat that feels homemade and special.

A sliced loaf of banana bread with four thick slices resting on a cooling rack, showing a golden brown, slightly crunchy top layer with a dusting of sugar, beneath which is a light yellow, moist and crumbly interior mixed with darker specks of banana or nuts. The crust at the bottom is darker and crispier, adding texture contrast. The cooling rack sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup softened butter (salted)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
⅓ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter on medium-high speed.
Step 3: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and continue mixing until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well creamed, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Sift the flour and baking soda into the bowl, then mix gently just until the batter begins to come together. Fold with a silicone spatula until no large lumps remain and the flour is fully absorbed.
Step 6: In a small bowl, stir together the ⅓ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside.
Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then use a butter knife to swirl it gently into the batter.
Step 8: Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out evenly.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer of batter, then swirl it in again with a butter knife.
Step 10: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the loaf.
Step 11: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 12: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then gently remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before wrapping or slicing.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer before swirling.
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Use melted salted butter for the drizzle to add a richer finish, or sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped well in foil and a plastic bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw completely and warm in a low oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

The image shows a loaf of cinnamon coffee cake, sliced into three pieces, resting on a cooling rack with a white marbled surface beneath. The top of the cake has a thick, crunchy, golden-brown cinnamon sugar crust with a cracked texture. Each slice reveals a soft, moist yellow crumb with cinnamon swirls inside, creating a marbled pattern. The edges of the slices are slightly darker and crispier, adding contrast to the tender interior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk combined with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar left to sit for 5 minutes. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk and helps the bread rise and stay tender.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If it has wet batter, bake for additional minutes and check again.